Donor Advised Funds Make Your Giving Easy


Harriette and Stephen Wienner, both born and bred Baltimoreans, originally met in high school working at local hangout Mike’s Pizza in Pikesville. Their paths crossed again after college, and together, they have raised three adult children in the heart of Jewish Baltimore. A lot may have changed for them over the years, but their roots continue to run deep. As a family they care passionately about caring for the vulnerable here at home and in Israel. 12 years ago, their family hosted one of the very first shinshin (Israeli emissary) who is now an integral part of their extended family. The idea of volunteering and giving back to their community continues to be a central part of their lives. Here is their story.

Harriette and Steven Wienner
Harriette and Stephen Wienner, donor advised fund holders at The Associated and dedicated community members, recently gave from their fund to respond to emerging needs in both Baltimore City and our Jewish Community caused by COVID-19.

Opening up a donor advised fund with The Associated 10 years ago allowed the Wienners to contribute to the organizations they care about most while also maximizing their tax benefits. From supporting our partner city Ashklelon in Israel to funding Healthcare for the Homeless here in Baltimore, using their fund makes a direct impact in the most efficient way possible. This year, amidst the growing needs arising from the pandemic, the Wienners were able to respond to the immediate crisis easily and effectively. They gave directly from their Associated donor advised fund to causes in Baltimore and in the Jewish community that needed their help the most.

“We make our gifts Jewishly, but we also want to give to non-Jewish causes that are near and dear to our hearts. The Associated just makes giving so easy.” When need in the community arises, such as the COVID Campaign, it is very easy to recommend a grant with your donor advised fund through The Associated’s online grantmaking portal, DonorSphere. “Your funds are readily available, and you don’t ever have to wait.”

Another motivation for the Wienners to invest with The Associated is that they can contribute appreciated stock to their donor advised fund. “Honestly, it’s a win-win solution to donate those shares to the donor advised fund.”

“Not only is it easy, but we trust The Associated managing the fund overall because of the strength of the professional staff who are looking out for everyone, not just donors, but the greater community. The communication from The Associated is incredible. It’s detailed and timely, and we know exactly what’s going on with our donor advised fund and know the impact of the dollars being investing.”

Find out how you can start your lifelong philanthropic journey with a donor advised fund. Contact Jackie Yahr at  jyahr@associated.org or call 410-369-9248.


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The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

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